MIT to build $100 laptops for children in developing nations

By Phil Hochmuth

MIT's venerable Media Lab recently announced an initiative to
build low-cost Linux-based laptops for school children in
developing nations.


With a $100 targeted price tag, the laptops would run a
scaled-down version of Linux encased in a rugged design. AMD
processors topping out at 500 MHz and a gigabyte of storage are
some of the specs. A carrying strap that doubles as an AC
adapter, even a hand-cranked powering system (1 minute of
cranking gives 10 minutes of computing) are parts of the design.
For connectivity, Wi-Fi and cellular networking components would
be built into the devices, as well as a screen that can switch
between color and high-contras monochrome, for easier viewing
outdoors.


One of the most innovative ideas in the project is in the
networking area. According to the MIT Media Lab, built-in mesh
networking components will allow the devices to form instant
wireless mesh networks. This would allow for peer-to-peer file
sharing, as well as shared Internet connectivity among meshed
nodes.


The initiative is part of the One Laptop per Child (OLPC)
initiative, an idea introduced earlier this year by Internet
pioneer and MIT Media Lab founder Nicholas Negroponte. Some of
the ways Negroponte proposes to cut the costs of the machines is
to streamline the hardware and software installed, or getting
"the fat out of the system" - such as redundant software and
operating system agents, and non-essential hardware. He also
says that large production volumes of the devices made
specifically for foreign education ministries would help give
the project the scale it needs to reach the $100-per-unit cost.
The MIT Media Lab estimates it could have the devices delivered
by late 2006 or early 2007.


Now, one may ask, why not a One Vaccination Per Child (OVPC)
initiative? Or instead, spend $100 per child on nutritional food
or durable clothing. But everyone has their area of expertise,
and the MIT Media Lab's is dreaming up unique technology
innovation. If Negroponte can figure out how to deliver a laptop
to every child, more power to him. Just imagine what else is
might be possible.


(from NETWORK WORLD NEWSLETTER)